Aprilia Motorcycles

Aprilia has no fewer than 294 Grand Prix races to its name – a record for the most wins of any European manufacturer in the history of motorcycle competition. Founded just after WWII, Aprilia started life as a bicycle manufacturer, but soon turned its hand to motorised two-wheelers. Originally specialising in off-road bikes and mopeds, in the 1980s Aprilia expanded the range to embrace enduro, trials and street bikes, with engine capacities up to 600cc. In 1998, Aprilia launched the flagship RSV Mille, followed by the SL 1000 Falco, RST Futura, Caponord and Tuono, the first true hypernaked on the market. In 2004, Aprilia was acquired – along with Moto Guzzi – by the Piaggio Group, and benefited from increased investment and R&D. Their current range includes the much anticipated RS660 and range-topping RSV4 sportsbikes and Tuono V4 naked roadsters. New riders also have a choice of A1-licence friendly machines, including the off-road style RX125 and sporty RS125.